AUCKLAND, Today: Bastion Shine is bolstering its leadership ranks with two major appointments, bringing in world-class experience and fresh thinking to help clients achieve meaningful results.
Following a global search, Owen Dowling joins as Chief Strategy Officer, a new role focused on shaping the agency’s strategic direction. Originally from Ireland, he blends global insight with deep local understanding.
Owen has led strategy across London, Amsterdam and Singapore, guiding brands like Gatorade, Walls and Crocs at 180 Amsterdam. Before that, he helped AB InBev become Cannes Marketer of the Year twice.
“Owen is an exceptional strategic thinker who connects brand purpose with cultural momentum,” said Toby Sellers, CEO of Bastion Shine. “His experience leading global brands will play a central role in delivering powerful, effective work for our clients.”
“Bastion Shine has built something special,” said Owen Dowling. “You can feel it when you walk in, it’s a culture where creativity and strategy unite to make work that matters.”
“I’m passionate about bringing creativity, data and technology together to build stronger connections between brands and people.” – Owen Dowling, Chief Strategy Officer
The agency also welcomes Richard Brown as Managing Partner of Digital Brand Experience, a new role designed to expand Bastion Shine’s digital and CX capabilities.
Richard joins from Merkle, where he integrated digital solutions across technology, media and creative for Dentsu’s CXM business. He’s also led digital and experience design at Davanti and Intergen, working with top brands like Toyota.
“This role is about helping organisations deliver truly great omni-channel experiences,” said Richard Brown. “I’m passionate about bringing creativity, data and technology together to build stronger connections between brands and people.”
Toby Sellers added, “Richard’s appointment reflects our continued commitment to growth in digital brand experience. His leadership and deep martech expertise will help drive value and innovation for our clients.”
Together, Owen and Richard strengthen Bastion Shine’s leadership in Auckland, reinforcing the agency’s position as a creative powerhouse with the scale of a network and the agility of an independent.
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